Projects and Grants

Our Projects and Grants team prepare and lodge government and non-government submissions with the aim of securing additional funding. Successfully funded projects support and promote better outcomes for children and young people with disabilities, and their families, by:

  • Exploring, developing and implementing new and better ways to do things, e.g. new and better programs, resources and training
  • Supporting and promoting the inclusion and participation of children and young people with a disability

Successful Projects and Grants

In 2010/2011, Therapy Focus received generous funding support for its service and product initiatives through applications submitted to agencies including Lotterywest, Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Disability Services Commission, Department for Communities, Apache Energy, the Federal Government’s Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) Department, BHP Billiton (Worsley), Bendigo Bank, ANZ Bank Staff Foundation and AIM WA.

Projects conducted, approved and/or commenced in 2010/11 include:

  • Programs supporting early language and speech development by working directly with children and also increasing the skills and knowledge of parents, playgroup leaders, child care workers and teachers
  • The provision of assisted communication devices for trial and permanent use, e.g. iPods, iPads and other more specific devices
  • A major upgrade of our human resource and financial management software systems
  • A survey into families interest and participation in recreational and sporting activities, which also explored issues around siblings, barriers, constraints and preferences, e.g. day, timing, type of support
  • Digital therapy groups using standard Wii games augmented by sophisticated switching devices as required to allow more children to participate
  • The provision of specific and targeted equipment to children and young people who otherwise would not be able to afford such equipment, e.g. electronic beds, which make positioning and care more comfortable and easier for both the young person and their parents and carers
  • MyTime groups to help parents and carers of children with disabilities connect with other parents in similar situations
  • Resources to support the development of money skills by young people with intellectual disability
  • The 2011 ‘I Am Special’ and ‘Jarrah’s Jigsaw’ storybook features the artwork of primary school children and has a storyline that celebrates children with a disability and promotes their inclusion. This year, we’ve expanded the scope of the book to also promote the inclusion of children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds and make the book more accessible from CaLD and disability perspectives.

To find out more about the generous organisations who provide ongoing funding and support to Therapy Focus, visit our Partners page